How to hire a seasonal associate

How to hire a seasonal associate, step by step

Here's a step-by-step seasonal associate hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a seasonal associate job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new seasonal associate
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a seasonal associate do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a seasonal associate, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect seasonal associate also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of seasonal associate salaries for various roles:

   Type of Seasonal Associate	Description	Hourly rate
   Seasonal Associate	Retail sales workers include both those who sell retail merchandise, such as clothing, furniture, and automobiles, (called retail salespersons) and those who sell spare and replacement parts and equipment, especially car parts (called parts salespersons). Both types of workers help customers find the products they want and process customers’ payments.	$12-18
   Seasonal Sales Representative	Usually working on a contractual basis, a seasonal sales representative serves as the clients' point of contact in businesses. They typically offer products and services through calls and correspondence, arrange appointments, discuss promotions, explain product specifications and pricing, negotiate contracts, arrange payment plans, and build positive relationships with clients... Show more	$12-21
   Seasonal Cashier	A seasonal cashier is an employee hired for a predetermined time in the retail industry. Seasonal cashiers utilize basic mathematics and computation... Show more	$11-17

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • PET
   • Sales Floor
   • Loss Prevention
   • POS
   • Customer Inquiries
   • Customer Issues
   • Back Room
   • Customer Transactions
   • Cleanliness
   • Ladders
   • Product Knowledge
   • Math
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Food Preparation

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage customer resolutions associate with flight reservations.
   • Greet customers, properly execute their transaction, and bag groceries.
   • Operate all equipment such as POS register, ticket scanners, sensors, sensor removers, etc.
   • Major responsibility are to inform customers of the protection policies that every electronic device are eligible for and work the POS registers
   • Uphold merchandising and store cleanliness requirements.
   • Maintain organization and cleanliness of the mobile unit on a regular basis

   More seasonal associate duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your seasonal associate job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A seasonal associate salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, seasonal associates' average salary in virginia is 35% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level seasonal associates earn 34% less than senior-level seasonal associates.
   • Certifications. A seasonal associate with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a seasonal associate's salary.

   Average seasonal associate salary

   $14.97hourly

   $31,132 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level seasonal associate salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average seasonal associate salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Oregon	$36,549	$18
   2	California	$36,157	$17
   3	Washington	$34,841	$17
   4	New York	$33,309	$16
   5	Nevada	$31,303	$15
   6	Arizona	$31,112	$15
   7	Colorado	$30,787	$15
   8	New Jersey	$30,256	$15
   9	Texas	$30,012	$14
   10	Illinois	$29,628	$14
   11	Arkansas	$28,908	$14
   12	Kansas	$28,719	$14
   13	Minnesota	$28,352	$14
   14	Michigan	$28,324	$14
   15	Pennsylvania	$28,045	$13
   16	Florida	$27,960	$13
   17	Alabama	$27,457	$13
   18	Ohio	$26,595	$13
   19	North Carolina	$26,321	$13
   20	Georgia	$25,648	$12

   Average seasonal associate salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	National Football League	$44,015	$21.16	4
   2	Pro Football Hall of Fame	$39,132	$18.81
   3	Finance of America	$38,189	$18.36
   4	Harley-Davidson	$36,651	$17.62	5
   5	Mars	$36,056	$17.33	2
   6	National Audubon Society	$35,294	$16.97
   7	National Multiple Sclerosis Society	$34,536	$16.60
   8	Metropolitan Ministries	$34,139	$16.41
   9	Alaskan Brewing	$34,029	$16.36
   10	Amazon	$33,522	$16.12	27
   11	FNB	$33,270	$16.00
   12	Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan	$33,257	$15.99
   13	Office Depot	$32,379	$15.57	385
   14	The Coca-Cola Company	$32,374	$15.56	12
   15	Mattel	$32,032	$15.40	12
   16	Museum of Life and Science	$31,936	$15.35
   17	Winter Park Resort	$31,866	$15.32
   18	CNB Bank	$31,090	$14.95	7
   19	Hannaford Supermarkets	$30,975	$14.89	343
   20	Pitney Bowes	$30,878	$14.85	2

4. Writing a seasonal associate job description

   A good seasonal associate job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a seasonal associate job description:

   Seasonal associate job description example

   At Office Depot Inc., the Services Advisor is a part-time role, providing “total solutions” to our customers encompassing Technology, Services, Furniture and Print offerings. The associate will quickly build and maintain customer relationships and become a trusted advisor by utilizing training of Technology products/services and print offerings.
   
   The Services Advisor will demonstrate a passion for the brand, technology products, furniture, print, and other services/products offered to our customers. The Services Advisor will utilize Office Depot Inc.’s proven sales principles to proactively engage customers, to drive the sales of our total offerings, and properly assess customer needs to ensure satisfaction in every interaction.
   
   The essential functions of this position may require you to consent to periodic comprehensive background checks conducted by a third-party.
   
   products and services. Effectively utilizes communication tools to request assistance anywhere on the sales floor, and to coordinate the appropriate service, and customer engagement throughout the store. Performs duties such as cashier, logistics support, stocking, restocking, down stocking, inventory control, cleaning the store and protecting company assets. Ensures the completion of damaged and defective/buy back merchandise through the RCC process.
   
   When not assisting customers, performs merchandise-related activities to ensure merchandise presentation guidelines are met through implementing plan-o-gram changes and updates, merchandise set and price changes. Sets weekly ads, including price changes, and any associated updates to store signage.
   
   Proactively acknowledges and engages every customer to ensure a positive customer experience. Utilizes and understands the selling program to promote the sale of the best solution as well as additional product and/or services solutions. Maintains awareness of planned advertisements and promotions.
   
   Able to evaluate the customer’s needs to determine what additional offerings or services that a customer may need in addition to determining if a customer should be referred to the Contract Sales organization.
   
   Works to continually develop personal selling skills and specialized product knowledge. Drives Technology, Tech Services, Furniture and Print sales by supporting all related current programs, new product launches and special initiatives.
   
   Ensures compliance with company policies, procedures and practices; and supports company loss prevention efforts.
   
   Successful completion of Tech, Print, and other applicable training and continued education in these areas is expected, up to and including designated certifications, if required.
   Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Level of Formal Education: High School diploma or equivalent education preferred Years of Experience: Minimum 1 year experience in related field Type of Experience: 2 Years Sales and/or Customer Services experience preferred Technical Competencies: Must possess the ability to use technology and print equipment applicable to role, and to access information necessary to complete daily responsibilities Must possess ability to process information/merchandise through POS register system Basic computer skills Skills and Ability: Must possess strong selling skills Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills Must be adaptable to a changing environment Must be able to coach and train others in a professional environment Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills Personal Attributes: Positive and Engaging Action Oriented Integrity, Accountability & Trust Demonstrate passion for the brand, products, services and solutions offered to our customers Must possess a desire to continually develop personal selling skills and product knowledge Drive for Results Decision Quality Patience Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified. Other duties may be assigned. Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule Office Depot and OfficeMax offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button. How to Apply Click the Apply Now button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button. Equal Employment Opportunity Office Depot and OfficeMax is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and expression), ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find seasonal associates for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your seasonal associate job on Zippia to find and recruit seasonal associate candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as salesjobs, salesheads, allretailjobs.com, sales trax.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit seasonal associates, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new seasonal associate

   Once you've found the seasonal associate candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new seasonal associate. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a seasonal associate?